Latest news with #Psychologist
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Do humour and laughter benefit your health?
Almost everybody enjoys humour and likes a good laugh. We find humour relaxing, which reduces stress; therefore, most people tend to believe that humour is good for our general health. But the scientific evidence that humour is beneficial to our general health is not very robust. This question is reviewed by Gil Greengros in the Psychologist recently and his paper is illuminating. Norman Cousins (1915-1990) was a well-known US liberal political journalist and author. He developed a bad case of painful connective tissue disease plus ankylosing spondylitis with a very low probability (1/500) of recovery. Cousins followed all conventional medical advice for the treatment of the disease but supplemented this with a novel treatment – he took large doses of vitamin C and indulged in self-induced bursts of laughter every day by watching comic films. READ MORE He told his story in his 1979 book Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient. Actor Ed Asner starred in a 1984 TV film based on this book. Cousin's book launched a laughter/humour/therapy movement that is still with us today. Norman Cousins recovered from his illness, but the account in his book is anecdotal, not a scientific study In Anatomy of an Illness, Cousins claimed laughter had an analgesic effect on him: 'I made the joyous discovery that 10 minutes of genuine belly laughter had an anaesthetic effect that would give me at least two hours of painless sleep.' Cousins recovered from his illness, but the account in his book is anecdotal, not a scientific study, and doesn't prove that humour/laughter played a significant part in effecting his cure. His acute arthritic condition may have just subsided slowly and naturally. Greengros points out that scientific studies of the relationship between humour and general health have been plagued by problems such as small sample size and confounding variables, with the result that few firm conclusions can be drawn. There is some evidence that your mood can boost the immune system, eg watching funny films boosts immunity and reduces allergic reactions compared to non-humorous controls. But this effect is not exclusive to humour and can also be induced by listening to classical music or by sad feelings. Some people claim the physical activity involved in hearty laughter is itself a powerful aerobic exercise, producing health benefits Do professional comedians live longer or have better general health than other professionals? Studies have shown that comedians and comedy writers die younger than actors and other professionals who aren't comic entertainers. But uncontrolled-for factors such as unhealthy lifestyle confound such studies. Some people claim the physical activity involved in hearty laughter is itself a powerful aerobic exercise, producing health benefits. Claims have been made that several minutes of robust laughter is equivalent to the aerobic work of exercising 10-15 minutes on the rowing machine. However, careful studies have demonstrated that normal laughter is equivalent only to very light exercise, such as playing cards. Indian doctor Modan Karice founded the first Yoga Laughter Club in 1995, where people come to laugh as much as possible, even in the absence of humorous stimulation, aiming to stimulate good health and induce happiness. Studies have failed to produce convincing evidence that this significantly promotes better physical/mental health Possibly the best evidence for a therapeutic effect of humour on health is the capacity to reduce pain. Only genuine laughter is effective because only this emotional change releases the endorphins that relieve pain – deliberately exercising the muscular action of laughing alone doesn't work. There is strong evidence that humour benefits mental health by lowering stress. The ability to make other people laugh is a very attractive trait This analgesic effect is temporary. Cousins's laughter gave him two hours' relief, although he said that, if he then had another genuine bout of laughter, he got further relief. It should also be noted that other forms of neural stimulation, such as relaxing music or listening to lectures, have the same effect. So, evidence to date that humour promotes general health is weak. On the other hand, there is strong evidence that humour benefits mental health by lowering stress. The ability to make other people laugh is a very attractive trait and laughter generally is very enjoyable. Greengros sensibly advises that we should all enjoy humour and welcome it as one of the good things in life. Let me finish with a little joke to cheer you up and, perhaps, give you a little physical boost also. What did the Tibetan monk say when he saw the face of Jesus in a tub of margarine? 'I can't believe it's not Buddha'. William Reville is an emeritus professor of Biochemistry at UCC
Forbes
08-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How to Actually Enjoy a Stress-Free Mother's Day
When we let mothers exhale, "even for a day," Megan Dalla-Camina says we create a culture that values women not just for what they do, but who they are. Breakfast in bed is a thoughtful sentiment, but for many moms, it's not much of a reprieve from the weight of responsibility they carry on a daily basis. 'The messaging around Mother's Day does not always speak to the reality of being a mother, the load of invisible labor that motherhood entails does not stop because there is a 'day,'' says Macall Gordon, a psychologist, professional sleep coach, and author of the book Why Won't You SLEEP?! A Game-changing Approach for Exhausted Parents of Nonstop, Super Alert, Big Feeling Kids. 'If they get an hour of extra sleep in the morning and a hand-made construction paper card, most moms will call it good and move on with the rest of the mountain of tasks they have to do that day.' For many moms, Mother's Day is hard to enjoy when they're expected to carry on with their usual tasks. But as moms increasingly juggle work and parenting, sometimes with inadequate social and financial support, moms are more in need of a break than ever before. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, parents are reporting higher levels of stress compared to other adults than a decade prior. 'Right now, in a post-pandemic world still shaped by economic uncertainty, rising caregiving demands, and blurred work-life boundaries—especially for working moms—stress levels are particularly high,' says psychologist Kati Morton, LMFT and author of Are u ok? A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health & Traumatized. 'Research shows that women, especially mothers, report significantly higher rates of emotional exhaustion than before 2020.' With the line between work and life increasingly blurred, Kati Morton says stress levels among moms are particularly high. 'The mental load, emotional labor, and constant multitasking that come with motherhood—especially for those balancing careers, caregiving, and everything in between—are quietly exhausting,' says Megan Dalla-Camina, the best-selling author of Women Rising: The Forces That Hold Us Back, and the Tools to Help Us Rise. Psychologist Morton says chronic stress from the emotional labor of motherhood can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue or symptoms of anxiety and depression. 'Many mothers are operating in a near-constant state of low-grade stress, often without adequate rest, recognition, or reprieve,' says Dalla-Camina. 'The mental load, emotional labor, and constant multitasking that come with motherhood is quietly exhausting,' says Megan Dalla-Camina. For many, Mother's Day itself can be a stressful holiday. Some moms might feel pressure to be joyous or grateful when in reality, they feel burnt out, while others find themselves managing expectations of their families and themselves, of what the day should look like. Curated carousels of decadent brunches and heartfelt gifts on social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy or disappointment. When expectations aren't met—whether through lack of acknowledgment or poorly planned gestures—it can lead to disappointment or sadness,' says psychologist Kati Morton, LMFT and author of Are u ok? A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health & Traumatized. Comparing one's Mother's Day experience to others on social media can exacerbate difficult emotions. The day can be especially hard for those with complex relationships to their moms or motherhood. 'Mother's Day can stir up deep emotions: for those who've lost their mothers, those estranged from children or parents, or those carrying unspoken stories of fertility challenges,' says Dalla-Camina. 'For moms who have lost children, or for those mourning their own mothers, Mother's Day may feel more like a reminder of what's missing than a celebration, while moms navigating tension with their children mmay experience guilt, shame or unresolved sadness,' says Morton. The psychologist says single and unsupported mothers raising children alone who feel unseen and overwhelmed may find the day exacerbates their isolation instead of alleviating it. 'It's a tender day,' says Dalla-Camina. 'A day devoted to relaxation isn't indulgent—it's reparative," says Megan Dalla-Camina. Which is all the more reason for Mother's Day to be more than a Hallmark holiday, one devoted entirely to rest. 'In my work with thousands of women, I hear it again and again: they feel like they're always giving, always striving, always holding it all together—and rarely getting the time or space to simply be,' says Dalla-Camina. 'A day devoted to relaxation isn't indulgent—it's reparative. When we let mothers exhale, even for a day, we create a ripple effect: calmer homes, clearer minds, and a culture that values women not just for what they do, but for who they are.' Everyone's version of self-care is different but here are some ideas from the experts on how to find meaningful rest and rejuvenation this Mother's Day. Experts recommend beginning Mother's day with intention to move mindfully through the rest of the day. A sacred morning ritual can help being the day with intention. 'Light a candle, sip warm lemon water or herbal tea, journal for five minutes, or do a short guided meditation,' suggests Megan Dalla-Camina. Psychologist Kati Morton says using apps like Insight Timer and Headspace for even five to 10 minutes can reduce cortisol levels and improve emotional regulation. Even half a day without screens can help reset the nervous system, according to Megan Dalla-Camina. 'Replace scrolling with something that genuinely fills your cup—reading a novel, painting, cooking for pleasure, or sitting in the sun,' suggests Dalla-Camina. Morton similarly suggests getting creative with an art therapy kit or coloring book. According to the experts, even half day without screens can be enough to reset the nervous system. Getting out in nature has numerous physical and mental benefits, according to Kati Morton. 'A solo walk in nature or even putting your bare feet in the grass has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve immune function, and reduce rumination,' says Morton. Choosing movement that incites joy can help discharge stress, according to experts. 'Whether it's a solo walk listening to your favorite podcast, ten minutes rebounding on a mini-trampoline, or stretching on the floor with calming music, movement helps discharge stress and reconnect you to your body,' says Dalla-Camina. Sakara delivers nourishing ready-to-eat meals. Everyone's idea of nourishment is different, but a meal that makes you feel good physically and emotionally is a good place to start. Some of Dalla-Camina's favorites are a smoothie bowl with cacao and berries, a warm golden latte with turmeric and ashwagandha, and breakfast in bed, ideally made by someone else. Methodology's new mom program offers postpartum nutrition in convenient, ready-to-eat meals. To relieve mom of the responsibility of cooking for the week ahead, Morton suggests a meal delivery service such as Daily Harvest and Sakara or Methodology for nourishing, no-effort meals. Methodology's new mom program offers postpartum nutrition with vitamin-rich, ready-to-eat meals packed with protein, over 200 plants and lactation-promoting ingredients. Megan Dalla-Camina recommends grounding practices like walking barefoot in grass. 'The nervous system thrives on slowness and safety,' says Dalla-Camina. She recommends a breathing practice of inhaling for four counts and exhaling for six, repeating for a few minutes to signal to your body that you're safe. 'You can place one hand on your heart and one on your belly while doing this—this gentle touch is calming and reminds the body it's being held.' 'The nervous system thrives on slowness and safety,' says Megan Dalla-Camina, who recommends practicing breathing exercises. Grounding practices like walking barefoot on grass, sitting with your back against a tree or lying down with a weighted eye pillow, are also go-to strategies for Dalla-Camina. 'These quiet rituals may seem small, but they have a powerful cumulative effect on your sense of calm and clarity.' Kati Morton suggests Recess' Mood for a relaxing mocktail. Supplements can help support the nervous system too, and with so forms on the market, they can make a fun alternative to alcoholic beverages. 'Try magnesium-rich evening drinks like Moon Juice's Magnesi-Om or Recess' Mood, they support muscle relaxation and serotonin production,' suggests Morton. Exploring a local museum is a great way to replicate the feeling of being on vacation. 'Even one night away with no obligations can reset perspective and balance the nervous system balance,' says Morton. 'It's not a splurge—it's an essential," says Kati Morton, on mothers booking a relaxing treatment. 'Whether it's a massage, infrared sauna session, float tank, or just a long bath with Epsom salts and a some calming music, treat it like a sacred appointment,' says Dalla-Camina. 'It's not a splurge—it's an essential.' Morton suggests slow yoga practices such as restorative yoga, yoga nidra or yin yoga to support deep relaxation and better sleep. Kati Morton suggests a bath with epsom salts and aromatherapy to release muscle tension. Small self-care gifts can go a long way in helping mom unwind. Morton says aromatherapy or a bath salt soak with lavender and chamomile can help physically release muscle tension and relax the nervous system. The psychologist also suggests creating a 'Mom Spa Day Kit' with cozy socks, a face mask, relaxing tea, playlist and handwritten permission slip to do nothing. Give yourself permission to experience pleasure this Mother's Day and beyond. 'Whether it's help, rest, joy, or time to yourself—you don't have to earn it,' says Dalla-Camina. 'You're allowed to want it and you're worthy of having it.'
